Duffy: I'm not "being forced out"

Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy today said he's not being pushed out of his position as Gov. Andrew Cuomo's second-in-command as the former Rochester mayor is widely expected to not seek a second term with the Democratic governor.

Duffy said it's up to Cuomo to announce the pair's future.

"The governor and I will certainly announce our plans in the very near future," Duffy told Gannett's Albany Bureau after a police memorial event at the Capitol. "I’ve said this repeatedly: not iota of truth me being forced out. I would certainly speak the truth on this: not even a shred."

Duffy is believed to want to stay closer to Rochester; last year he bought a lakefront home in the Finger Lakes.

Duffy, 59, said he intends to stay as lieutenant governor through the year -- dismissing speculation that he could leave early.

But Duffy said he's not clashing with Cuomo, as has been the case with previous governors and their lieutenant governors.

"No one makes decisions for me. I make my own decisions," Duffy said. "And I’m very clear about having a chance to talk about that. It’s very positive. There’s no controversy, no issues, no negativity at all."

Duffy said he's in his third career -- police chief, mayor and now lieutenant governor -- and he's simply make the best decision for him and his family.

There has been grand speculation about who Cuomo may pick to replace Duffy. The names include former western New York Rep. Kathy Hochul; Buffalo Mayor Bryon Brown and Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney, a Republican.